How I Balance Blogging With A Full-Time Job

Monday, July 10, 2017

During the two years I've had this blog, I've also had a full-time job. It can definitely be hard to find the time or energy (or inspiration) to write. Most days I'm spending 9+ hours at work and then hitting the gym. By the time I get home, I'm too drained, and I probably don't want to look at a computer anymore anyway.

Still – I enjoy writing and blogging, so I haven't let it stop me. Some weeks are better than others, but I've kept my blog alive and well for two years. Here are a few ways how:

I get it done early.

During the week, I try to get up a half hour earlier than needed to squeeze some blog stuff in before getting ready for work. Doing some writing, scheduling a post, or sending a few emails. A lot can get done in thirty minutes. Plus, it's checked off my to-do list first thing in the morning, so if something comes up later in the day, I don't have to worry about it.

Or I weave it into my day.

While that first option is ideal and it does make me feel like I can kick ass, I'm still not a total morning person, so sometimes getting up even a half hour earlier feels impossible. On those days, I find (or make) time where I can throughout the day. Sometimes I spend my lunch break working on my blog. Or, when 5 o'clock hits, I'll clock out, but stick around for an extra half hour to flesh out an idea or finish up a post. Both of these allow me to fully relax once I get home.

I keep all of my ideas handy.

When I have free time and am ready to sit down on work on my blog, I don't want to spend that precious time brainstorming content ideas. I want to spend it making progress with them. So, whenever an inkling of an idea pops into my head, I write it down, whether that's drafting it on Blogger, emailing myself, or having Siri take down a note for me. Then I'm prepared for later and can spend my writing time actually writing.

I use a planner to, well, plan.

I use the monthly layout of my planner to keep track of my posts. When I put one up, I write it in for that day. If there are certain post ideas I have that I know I want to publish that month, I list them out along the side. Being able to see what days I've put content up helps me space things out and keep it balanced, so I'm not posting too often or too seldom.

I'm lenient with myself.

I don't have a strict post schedule. My only goal is to try to post at least once a week. I understand why bloggers would set a schedule, putting up posts on the same day(s) every week, but for me personally, it wouldn't be helpful. If I couldn't meet it, I'd beat myself up. Instead, I'm flexible. I address whatever is a priority at the time, and it's not always my blog. The leniency helps maintain blogging as a fun side project for me rather than an obligation.